Mars And Jupiter RSVP

Jupiter, Mars and the double star Zubenelgenubi in the constellation Libra this morning (Jan. 5) around 6:45 a.m. The planets were only two-thirds of a degree apart and appeared closer to the eye than in the photograph. Bob King

I mentioned the Jupiter-Mars conjunction up a couple days ago, but figured it was worth another reminder. Tomorrow, (Sat. Jan. 6) and Sunday morning, Jan. 7, they’ll be closest in the dawn sky. The two planets were just ⅔° apart earlier today; for the next two mornings, their separation will be less than half that. For a good look, go out about 90 minutes before sunrise or around 6-6:30 a.m. Look a little less than halfway up in the southeastern sky for the bright planet Jupiter. You can’t miss it. Mars will be immediately to its right tomorrow and to its left on Sunday.

A telescope will show all four of Jupiter’s four bright satellites. The moon is headed their way, too. Next Thursday, the 11th, the crescent passes just a few degrees north of the pair. You’ll also get great views of the space station through mid-month at the same time, around the start of dawn. Click here and put in your zip code to get flyby times over your area.